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Once
you think you have a case for compensation, you need to find a good
solicitor to help you.
Deciding to take legal
action to obtain compensation for an injury or loss is a big
decision. Many people rush into compensation cases, lured by the
possibility of large financial awards, without taking the time to
check whether their solicitor has the qualifications or expertise
to manage your case efficiently and successfully.
A
compensation case can take some time from start to finish, and so
it is worth spending an extra few days on selecting your solicitor.
Television, radio, magazines and the internet are full of
compensation firms looking for business, and you should know how to
distinguish the good from the bad. Choosing the wrong solicitor can
result in an unsuccessful claim, or one where you end up paying the
solicitor a large percentage of your award.
This
may be the first time you have ever approached a solicitor, and it
can be a daunting prospect. It is an important part of the
compensation process, however, and you will need to consider the
following:
The
solicitor’s track record
Talk to
people you know who have had successful injury claims, read the
local papers and talk to friends and family. Good solicitors will
have a good reputation, and you can check whether they are
regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales by typing their
names into the Society’s website. Make sure that the solicitors you
are considering have a good track record of successful cases, that
they have demonstrated that they see cases through to the end and
that they can handle court cases where necessary.
Ask
Questions
It’s
easy to forget that you are the client. When you meet your
compensation solicitor, ask them as many questions as you want to,
so that you can be sure you know everything you need to about the
process. You should ask about how the legal fees are charged and
whether the solicitor will take a percentage of your award. Ask
about whether they have handled cases like yours previously and
with what success. This is your chance to see if the solicitor is
communicative and helpful and whether you would feel comfortable
working with them.
Check Your
Paperwork
When
you sign a contract with your compensation solicitor, make sure you
know exactly what you are signing and ask your solicitor to explain
it fully if you don’t understand. At Liddy’s Solicitors, we make
everything clear and easy to understand and work together with you
towards a successful case.
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